In response to the ongoing economic pressures exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has announced a series of stringent cost-cutting measures effective from 7 April.
The state-owned company stated the move is in direct support of the government's efforts to mitigate the global economic impact on the nation.
A key change will see the official working hours for MPL's administrative staff shortened. Their schedule will now run from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm, a significant reduction from the previous end time of 3:30 pm. Meanwhile, the working hours for employees on operational shifts will be capped at a maximum of eight hours per day.
The austerity drive extends far beyond adjusted schedules. MPL has suspended all international travel for its staff, barring essential official trips. Even in cases where external parties cover all expenses, the company will minimise foreign travel, opting instead to conduct meetings with overseas clients and suppliers online.
MPL has also decided to postpone its annual Maldives Maritime Conference. Originally scheduled for 15 April, the event has been rescheduled for 5 October of this year.
Additional measures include a targeted initiative to reduce electricity consumption through both operational changes and employee awareness campaigns designed to curb energy waste. The company has assured its clients that, despite these internal adjustments, all essential port services, including unloading and clearing, will continue uninterrupted.